There are two types of Chinese end-blown flutes: those like this xiao, associated with central China, with a small U-shaped hole cut into the closed nodal end of the bamboo tube; and those from southeastern China and Taiwan called dongxiao, also seen in this case, with a completely open blowing end. Legend holds that this particular type of end-blown, notched flute was created by disassembling a panpipe called a paixiao and placing equidistant finger holes on each pipe. Used in Confucian ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, and often associated with scholars, xiao are sometimes inscribed with poems.